ResumeWeAssist Enterprise

Unfortunately again in this weekend, I can only publish 1 article. As I mentioned in my last week’s article, for the next 2 weeks I’m quite tight up with my preparation for the UITM career talk. Anyway, I’m committed to continue the CMS sharing through this blog so I will slot in some of my time to do so.

 

Previously in May, I wrote about the function of a resume. From the article, we understand that resume is a request for an interview. The success of a resume depends on how effective it was written to impress the future employer.

 

So in today’s article, to effectively write a resume, I’ll be sharing what are the commonly used resume formats and some tips on how to choose the suitable format to suit your career needs.

 

From my experience, one of the common mistakes done in writing a resume starts by using the unsuitable format. It is like going for a formal dinner wearing a sleeveless t-shirt Even though how impressive your wealth of experience are, you are unable to show them off if you are not using the suitable format. Fundamentally, you will need to be familiar with these formats and based on your level of working experience; you are able to choose the most suitable format for your resume.

 

The good news is a typical resume format only consists of 3 types. Not much choice for you to choose from so it will be easier for you to make the final decision.

 

The formats are:

• Chronological
• Functional
• Chrono-functional

 

I’ll list down the features of each of these formats in point form to ease your understanding. I’ll provide examples and explain the components in these formats in my future articles. 

 

Chronological resume

 

ü Most commonly used format.

ü A chronological listing of job titles & responsibility which

      starts with the current or most recent employment and works

      backward to your first job.

ü Good format to demonstrate your career growth

ü Can be used to apply general or non-specific job

ü Suitable for anyone with working experience more than 3 years 

 

 

Avoid this format if you are:

·        Fresh graduate with no working experience

·        Working experience less than 3 years

·        Too many job change

·        Prolonged period of unemployment

 

Using this format will draw your future employer your weaknesses i.e. your lack of specific experience, job hopper and unemployment. The chance for your resume to be screened out for an interview is higher. Functional format will be more suitable for you.

 

Functional resume

 

ü Focus on professional skills rather than when, where or how

      you acquired them.

ü Must have specific job to apply in mind.

ü This format is suitable for:

  -   mature professional with extensive experience and expertise

  -   fresh graduate to focus on their knowledge and skill gained in

     college/university

  -   job hoppers to display their skills rather than their employment

     history

  -   people with stagnant or slow career progression to share their

     experience and expertise

  -   people returning to work after a long absence

  – anyone who are lack of working experience but have some

     specific skill or knowledge

 

This format will only works if you have some impressive skills, experience, knowledge or expertise in any field and have the ability to practice them.

 

Chrono-functional resume

ü Combination for chronological & functional format.

ü Create the opportunity to focus on professional skills and at

     the same time display your employment history

ü A highly recommended format for those with established

      professional skills and extensive working experience

 

In my future articles, I will elaborate in details on each of these resume formats especially on their critical components and samples.

 

Till then,

 

Take care.

 

Regards

 

Yusoff